The Packers second level has reached the next level this season

Wes Hodkiewicz

Richard from Menasha, WI

I am so disappointed that Paul from De Pere missedDontayvion Wicks. Otherwise, A-plus.

Inbox has created a monster. Not the first one. Probably won't be the last.

James from Appleton, WI

The key to the game is that the Packers' running backs are the best in the league at helping the offensive line block. Don't give up on the deep passing game. Jordan Love won't.

Not to spoil anything if you haven't watched this week's "Final Thoughts," but Spoff might have unfurled the best "Packers win if" of the season when discussing the need for the Packers to giveJordan Lovea clean pocket. Not only would that behoove QB1 against a Denver defense sitting on 55 sacks but also plays into one of Love's biggest strengths in picking apart man coverage. There's gold at the end of the rainbow in Denver, but the Packers gotta earn it.

Greg from Downers Grove, IL

I have enjoyed GB getting early leads by taking/getting the opening kickoff. This week, however, given we expect a low-scoring game and defensive battle, one would think deferring to the second half would be the wiser choice. Do you agree?

That's been the trend for the Packers anyway this season. But yes, this would seem like an ideal game to let the defense set the tone.

Benjamin from Bear, DE

I've seen many stories on Denver's formidable pass rush this week, but not much about its pass protection. Will Green Bay be able to get significant pressure while rushing only four linemen? Will Jeff Hafley need to blitz? How good is the Broncos' pass pro? I see no better week for the refs to start noticing how oftenMicah Parsonsis held. Wow, there's a mouthful in one submission.

In general, I think Denver's offensive line is pretty good. The Broncos have a mostly homegrown front, but signing Mike McGlinchey away from San Francisco in 2023 was a prudent move. That said, I also watched the Broncos allow 11 hits on Bo Nix in their first tango with Las Vegas and that pressure kept the Raiders in the game. If I'm Hafley, I look to mimic Denver's formula for defensive success contain R.J. Harvey and let Parsons and the pass rush go to work.

Mark from Plano, TX

Good day Spoff/Hod, fellow IIers. I believe this has been mentioned previously; however, I really look forward to the coordinator pressers. Coach Hafley has really enlightened me on details and nuances of the game. Not to mention he really looks like he enjoys them and has good interaction with the media. I appreciate that his stay in Green Bay may be brief due to other teams calling. I'm just glad we have him now.

If you didn't see it, Hafley's step-by-step breakdown of what led toKeisean Nixon's interception was one ofthe most detailed explanations of a playI've heard from an NFL coach. Any time Hafley speaks, you hear in his voice how much he loves this game. We're fortunate enough to sit in his classroom for 15-20 minutes each week.

Al from Green Bay, WI

OK the Broncos are good. Statistically they have the better D (but not actually). The Pack will come home with a W. Reasons to believe: 1) We can argue about whether Love is at an MVP level, but we should agree he's the best QB in this matchup. 2) IsChristian Watsonnow WR1? Who cares? His impact is undeniable. He,Jayden Reed,Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks andMatthew Goldenwill all contribute. 3) Love our linebacker play.Quay WalkerandEdgerrin Cooperare all over the field. 4)Daniel Whelanis a field-tilter in the thin air. 5) Micah Flippin' Parsons.

For all the injuries Green Bay has endured, it's great to have the entire linebacker room available for the stretch run. The Packers' second level has reached the next level and could be the difference. Cooper looks like a more complete player this year, and Walker showed no lingering effects of that stinger against the Bears. He should be even better this week after not being listed on the injury report this week.

Dan from Morehead City, NC

The last couple years Jayden Reed was a little nicked up at the end of the season and not as effective as he had been earlier. After missing half the season to get healthy, I feel he's primed to explode into the playoff push. Watson's also very healthy for this time of year for the same reason. I feel this makes our late-season passing attack even more dangerous. Would you agree with this assessment? Or am I way off-base on this (WCBT)?

I think the stage is set for those receivers to put on a show. Watson already has been but getting Reed back also returns a key ingredient to this offense with how he can stress a defense horizontally both pre- and post-snap.

Tom from Columbus, NJ

I have a feeling this game will be one of those games where someone steps up out of the blue. My money is a breakout game for Golden (if healthy). Who would be your dark horse to watch?

Carrington Valentine.

Mike from New Orleans, LA

During the offseason a lot was made ofRasheed Walkerand whether he would hold down the LT spot. I haven't heard much since, which I assume means he's been playing well. Can you give me any numbers to back up my assumption?

I think Walker has been solid. Matt LaFleur was asked about the fourth-year veteran Friday, and mentioned consistency is the main thing with Walker but he's also had "some moments of really good football." The Packers need Walker and the entire starting five to play well against a ferocious Denver pass rush and stingy run defense.

Sandy from Waterford, WI

Do you think Green Bay will be able to get their running game going against Denver this week?

It's an absolute must. The Packers can't let this defense get them in third-and-long regularly. Whether it'sJosh JacobsorEmanuel Wilsonback there, Green Bay's gotta establish the run early and stay in third-and-manageable.

Ben from Pittsfield, MA

So, two of the Packers' three losses came to division leaders now and those games were definitely not up to par for this team. I'm feeling pretty good about this team's chances coming into the backstretch. Playing above par, getting healthy and strength back on the active roster, and still staying humble. One game to win next beat Denver! GPG

The Packers didn't make it easy for themselves with the losses to Carolina and Cleveland, but the Rams' recent loss to the Panthers shows you're not going to par every hole (to further build off your analogy). Hopefully, the Browns help Green Bay out a little this weekend.

Ryan from Mount Zion, IL

"If the other team's turkey and mashed potatoes aren't having a good day, our gravy will be all over them." I finallycaught up on Mr. Policy's Q&Aand can't stop laughing in regards to him comparing Thanksgiving dinner to assembling a roster. How has Ed's short tenure impacted you personally up to this point?

It's been a blast watching Policy get to work. I also love seeing Packers fans get to experience Ed's sense of humor in the column. Be sure to catch more words of wisdom on the first Saturday of each month.

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Kerry from Canyon Lake, TX

Mike, you recently made a comment about refs not calling holding because it slows the game and reduces scoring. Not the first time you and Wes have made similar comments and I don't disagree. But what does this say about the integrity of the game? I mean, what are we watching here?

I don't think it's a commentary on the integrity of the game as much as it's that adage about offensive linemen holding on every play. I get you can't pull over every car going five over the speed limit, but it would be nice if the officials looked down at the radar gun occasionally.

Ray from Phoenix, AZ

I think I counted six players from Georgia that have played major roles on the 53-man roster this year. Does Brian Gutekunst have any connections with the Georgia program or is it just one of those things?

That's a byproduct of Georgia having one of the best football programs in the country. The Bulldogs have produced a ton of NFL talent under Kirby Smart, and the Packers are one of several teams tapping heavily into it. Philadelphia has seven Georgia alums on its roster.

Craig from Sussex, WI

The Falcons won despite having 19 penalties for 125 yards called against them Thursday night! Is that some kind of record?

It was. First, those 19 penalties were a franchise record. Second, Atlanta became the first team in NFL history to win a game in which it had at least 14 more penalties than their opponent and trailed by at least 14 points. According to NFL Research, the Falcons improved to 1-104-1 when trailing by 14-plus points in the fourth quarter since 2000. So, they have that going for themwhich is nice.

Richard from Greenwich, NY

Hi guys. Just read an interesting article in The Athletic about NFL "Directors of Game Management." The job is largely about statistics, tendencies, challenges, and situational strategies. Some of those have access to the HC headset (that must be some intense communication network), others to the coordinators. Do the Packers have that as a coaching position? Appreciate you.

Connor Lewis has handled those duties here for years while working from the coaches' box. I believe he and Ben Sirmans are the only coaches still on staff from the Mike McCarthy era. The Packers also have a football tech dept. that provides analytics for LaFleur and the coaches.

Jennifer from Middleton, WI

Hello Wes, so Hafley is down to help get things done for the beat writers. I love his press conferences. He's such a joy. Let's get crazy. What would the luxury of all luxuries be to help you get your job done on gameday? Dream big! The sky's the limit. I'm thinking you need a temperature-controlled, massaging leather seat with built-in powered laptop table and personal TV monitor plus armrest cooler for root beer.

I'm still chuckling over Boston coach Joe Mazzulla giving the Celtics beat writers a hard time after getting new chairs in their media auditorium. Root beer is always appreciated, but what I pray for more than anything is a steady bus ride to the airport after games. I suffer from motion sickness but need to transcribe to stay on schedule.

Doug from Neenah, WI

Good morning, Wes. Are you younger than any NFL quarterbacks?

One more than last week.

Dan from Rice Lake, WI

I sincerely enjoy reading the insightful questions and answers in II regarding how best to scheme to beat the next opponent. Perhaps color me simple, but I'm a firm believer in Lombardi's perspective: "Football is two things. It's blocking and tackling. You block and tackle better than the team you're playing, you win." Just execute.

It's hard to find daylight to run to if the blocks aren't there.

Pete from Hillsborough, NC

Man, I'm really glad they revamped the college football championship format so there would no longer be any controversies, aren't you?

College football keeps digging the hole deeper and questioning how it got there.

Jack from Cincinnati, OH

An appreciative comment. I became a Packer fan at 10 years old by winning a 25-cent bet from my older brother regarding the new helmet "G" logo. My father made him pay up...making the Pack my favorite. Then, they won five championships in seven years...and I'm a fan for life! Just turned 74 last week...probably appreciate my fandom (and II efforts) more than ever. That bet when 10 was probably the most impactful thing my early youth ever did! Thrilled to be a fan. My thanks. GPG!

There is no gambling at Bushwoodunless it's your older sibling. Happy birthday and best wishes in the New Year.

Nathan from Williamstown, MA

To put a finer point on Clarence's observation, I'm guessing the NFL is rationalizing that if the defender drives the ballcarrier clearly backward, the whistle is blown, but if the ballcarrier and defender are locked in a stalemate, the play can continue until reinforcements arrive to push the pile. Wouldn't that explain the vast majority of the calls? But we all know this whole mess would have gone away if a couple more owners had just voted for the Packers' proposal this offseason.

Yes, yes and yes.

Phillip from Wonder Lake, IL

With all the injuries on the Packers, can they still take the Broncos and keep winning?

One more yes. A productive NFL season is about what's been gained, not lost.

Scott from Sauk City, WI

I would obviously agree that a home playoff game is preferable to a road one, and the statistics definitely bear that out for Green Bay. ATMR (WCBW), since 2000, Green Bay is 8-7 at Lambeau, and 6-10 everywhere else (excluding the neutral Super Bowl site). We need something to get that two-game home losing streak taste out of our mouths, though.

It's been a minute since the Packers have played a postseason game at Lambeau. A couple more wins and maybe that can change in one month's time.

Jim from St Pete Beach, FL

Hi Wes! Has there been a Broncos game this season in which the opposing team scored 27 points?

2926but no 27. Stay tuned.

Robin from Ashburn, VA

What comes next?

Hopefully win No. 10. Enjoy the game, folks.

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